Pensioners' lunch club facing the axe

A LUNCH club for pensioners is facing the axe as part of a re-shuffle of council services for the elderly.

Outraged diners at the Thicketford Centre’s luncheon club say the service is a lifeline for people who live alone — providing a hot meal and regular social contact.

Yet the council says the club will have to close when the dementia day care service moves from Firwood House in Crompton Way to the Thicketford Centre this year.

Tom Waring, aged 86, started going to the Thicketford Centre when his wife died nine years ago. He says the group of about 15 regulars have become good friends through the club, which charges £3.50 for a meal.

Mr Waring, of Ainsworth Lane, said: “People like myself tend to go because they live on their own and it gets them out of the house. There’s a group of us that go most days and we all have a chat before we go in and then we have a nice dinner.

“To be told we can no longer go is real a blow. There was no consultation — they just stuck a notice up saying that the service is going to cease.

“I don’t think it has been very well thought through. We’ve asked them why we can’t all have our lunch together. Surely they will be putting on meals for the dementia day service too?”

The move is part of a wider revamp of adult social care in Bolton, which will see Firwood House close altogether as the council expands its provision of care in people’s homes.

Bolton Council said it is looking to alternative venues and organ-isations to take on the club.

A council spokesman said: “We understand the concerns of those who have been dropping into Thicketford for lunch and acknowledge that it is an important element of their social life.

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“We are in discussions with other local organisations who are keen to offer a similar service from an alternative venue for them to meet as a group before the changes are implemented. We have written to everyone who attends and we will be asking for their input.”

The council also said it must adapt the facilities at the Thicketford Centre to meet the needs of people with dementia and cannot accom-modate both groups.

The spokesman added: “The centre will be providing an extra service for people with specific needs, seven days a week, and alterations are nece-ssary to ensure the day centre users are safe and secure in their new premises.

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“As a consequence, public access will be restricted.”

A date has not been set for the closure.

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Comments (14)

Bolton Council, what are you thinking? This decision is a joke, and a poor one to boot. How much money is thrown at at your pink and fluffy left wing recipients, and why does it have to come from the most deserving? I feel ashamed and embarrassed living in a town that treats its pensioners this way.

Bolton Council, what are you thinking? This decision is a joke, and a poor one to boot. How much money is thrown at at your pink and fluffy left wing recipients, and why does it have to come from the most deserving? I feel ashamed and embarrassed living in a town that treats its pensioners this way.The Running Man

Bolton Council, what are you thinking? This decision is a joke, and a poor one to boot. How much money is thrown at at your pink and fluffy left wing recipients, and why does it have to come from the most deserving? I feel ashamed and embarrassed living in a town that treats its pensioners this way.

Score: 9

MrUpton says...10:35am Mon 2 Jun 14

Funny isn't it how there are never any services cut for the communities in Halliwell , Deane or Daubhill?

Funny isn't it how there are never any services cut for the communities in Halliwell , Deane or Daubhill?MrUpton

Funny isn't it how there are never any services cut for the communities in Halliwell , Deane or Daubhill?

Score: 13

thomas222 says...11:00am Mon 2 Jun 14

Perhaps they could donate some of the £1000 a month they give to the Bolton Council of Mosques and plenty more besides over the last ten years. Perhaps the brand new Mini Bus donated to the BCOM by Bolton Council for Muslim old people could be taken back and sold to fund this.

Perhaps they could donate some of the £1000 a month they give to the Bolton Council of Mosques and plenty more besides over the last ten years. Perhaps the brand new Mini Bus donated to the BCOM by Bolton Council for Muslim old people could be taken back and sold to fund this.thomas222

Perhaps they could donate some of the £1000 a month they give to the Bolton Council of Mosques and plenty more besides over the last ten years. Perhaps the brand new Mini Bus donated to the BCOM by Bolton Council for Muslim old people could be taken back and sold to fund this.

Score: 13

thomas222 says...11:02am Mon 2 Jun 14

Didnt say this before the Election did they. If you voted Labour you deserve everything you get and thats just being honest not nasty.

Didnt say this before the Election did they. If you voted Labour you deserve everything you get and thats just being honest not nasty.thomas222

Didnt say this before the Election did they. If you voted Labour you deserve everything you get and thats just being honest not nasty.

Score: 14

Sick of paying of paying for the idle who DONT want to work! says...11:04am Mon 2 Jun 14

Stop funding for junkies and alkies (im aware of the correct spelling) and other self inflicted illnesses and use the money for those deserving like our pensioners who have paid into the system a lot longer than most of the people the money is wasted on! Stop picking on the weak and vulnerable.

Stop funding for junkies and alkies (im aware of the correct spelling) and other self inflicted illnesses and use the money for those deserving like our pensioners who have paid into the system a lot longer than most of the people the money is wasted on! Stop picking on the weak and vulnerable.Sick of paying of paying for the idle who DONT want to work!

Stop funding for junkies and alkies (im aware of the correct spelling) and other self inflicted illnesses and use the money for those deserving like our pensioners who have paid into the system a lot longer than most of the people the money is wasted on! Stop picking on the weak and vulnerable.

Score: 6

lv8151 says...1:42pm Mon 2 Jun 14

Sick of paying of paying for the idle who DONT want to work! wrote…

Stop funding for junkies and alkies (im aware of the correct spelling) and other self inflicted illnesses and use the money for those deserving like our pensioners who have paid into the system a lot longer than most of the people the money is wasted on! Stop picking on the weak and vulnerable.

i agree to a certain extent with persistent hard drug offenders .... but lets also make people involved in RTA's have to pay for their own treatment through their motor insurance( your premiums will go up but that's not my problem as i don't drive ), lets refuse slimming products and fat removal procedures on the NHS for fat people that eat junk food or don't exercise( this wont affect me as i am very active physically), the list could be endless. if the people of Bolton want to keep voting in these clowns they only have themselves to blame.

[quote][p][bold]Sick of paying of paying for the idle who DONT want to work![/bold] wrote:
Stop funding for junkies and alkies (im aware of the correct spelling) and other self inflicted illnesses and use the money for those deserving like our pensioners who have paid into the system a lot longer than most of the people the money is wasted on! Stop picking on the weak and vulnerable.[/p][/quote]i agree to a certain extent with persistent hard drug offenders .... but lets also make people involved in RTA's have to pay for their own treatment through their motor insurance( your premiums will go up but that's not my problem as i don't drive ), lets refuse slimming products and fat removal procedures on the NHS for fat people that eat junk food or don't exercise( this wont affect me as i am very active physically), the list could be endless. if the people of Bolton want to keep voting in these clowns they only have themselves to blame.lv8151

Sick of paying of paying for the idle who DONT want to work! wrote…

Stop funding for junkies and alkies (im aware of the correct spelling) and other self inflicted illnesses and use the money for those deserving like our pensioners who have paid into the system a lot longer than most of the people the money is wasted on! Stop picking on the weak and vulnerable.

i agree to a certain extent with persistent hard drug offenders .... but lets also make people involved in RTA's have to pay for their own treatment through their motor insurance( your premiums will go up but that's not my problem as i don't drive ), lets refuse slimming products and fat removal procedures on the NHS for fat people that eat junk food or don't exercise( this wont affect me as i am very active physically), the list could be endless. if the people of Bolton want to keep voting in these clowns they only have themselves to blame.

Score: 5

hal pel says...3:34pm Mon 2 Jun 14

Is this lunch club service provided 7 days a week? if it is, between the 15 of them they're spending a lot of money there (£367.50). I bet a local cafe would be happy to make those lunches for the same price.

Is this lunch club service provided 7 days a week? if it is, between the 15 of them they're spending a lot of money there (£367.50). I bet a local cafe would be happy to make those lunches for the same price.hal pel

Is this lunch club service provided 7 days a week? if it is, between the 15 of them they're spending a lot of money there (£367.50). I bet a local cafe would be happy to make those lunches for the same price.

Score: 6

lv8151 says...7:24pm Mon 2 Jun 14

hal pel wrote…

Is this lunch club service provided 7 days a week? if it is, between the 15 of them they're spending a lot of money there (£367.50). I bet a local cafe would be happy to make those lunches for the same price.

totally agree .... theres a good paying job there for someone willing to do it .... £3:50 per meal

[quote][p][bold]hal pel[/bold] wrote:
Is this lunch club service provided 7 days a week? if it is, between the 15 of them they're spending a lot of money there (£367.50). I bet a local cafe would be happy to make those lunches for the same price.[/p][/quote]totally agree .... theres a good paying job there for someone willing to do it .... £3:50 per meallv8151

hal pel wrote…

Is this lunch club service provided 7 days a week? if it is, between the 15 of them they're spending a lot of money there (£367.50). I bet a local cafe would be happy to make those lunches for the same price.

totally agree .... theres a good paying job there for someone willing to do it .... £3:50 per meal

Score: 2

Amy Hare says...7:36pm Mon 2 Jun 14

Given these pensioners have most probably poured more money into the council's coffers than those who get it that don't deserve it is a travesty! I suggest the mayor opens his suite and provides lunch for these people, it's an alternative venue with the necessary catering provision close by. Thus ensuring the veterans who've paid for it get some enjoyment from the relic that seems to be occupied on the most part by nonessential pen pushers!

Given these pensioners have most probably poured more money into the council's coffers than those who get it that don't deserve it is a travesty! I suggest the mayor opens his suite and provides lunch for these people, it's an alternative venue with the necessary catering provision close by. Thus ensuring the veterans who've paid for it get some enjoyment from the relic that seems to be occupied on the most part by nonessential pen pushers!Amy Hare

Given these pensioners have most probably poured more money into the council's coffers than those who get it that don't deserve it is a travesty! I suggest the mayor opens his suite and provides lunch for these people, it's an alternative venue with the necessary catering provision close by. Thus ensuring the veterans who've paid for it get some enjoyment from the relic that seems to be occupied on the most part by nonessential pen pushers!

Score: 1

Jim271 says...9:31am Tue 3 Jun 14

Last night I was unfortunate to observe group of "recent immigrants" loitering around the junction of Wordsworth and Hughes Street, there were approximately 20 of them many of which were openly smoking cannabis and drinking on the street. This was at 10pm on a Monday night, and guess what, no police were available. Where can I buy some hand grenades?

Last night I was unfortunate to observe group of "recent immigrants" loitering around the junction of Wordsworth and Hughes Street, there were approximately 20 of them many of which were openly smoking cannabis and drinking on the street.
This was at 10pm on a Monday night, and guess what, no police were available.
Where can I buy some hand grenades?Jim271

Last night I was unfortunate to observe group of "recent immigrants" loitering around the junction of Wordsworth and Hughes Street, there were approximately 20 of them many of which were openly smoking cannabis and drinking on the street. This was at 10pm on a Monday night, and guess what, no police were available. Where can I buy some hand grenades?

Score: 3

thomas222 says...9:43am Tue 3 Jun 14

Jim271 wrote…

Last night I was unfortunate to observe group of "recent immigrants" loitering around the junction of Wordsworth and Hughes Street, there were approximately 20 of them many of which were openly smoking cannabis and drinking on the street. This was at 10pm on a Monday night, and guess what, no police were available. Where can I buy some hand grenades?

Oh Dear i feel there could be some trouble soon with racial gangs and i dont mean British Gangs. Cant believe the Muslim population here vote Labour as they want to continue this uncontrolled immigration disaster. The Muslim areas they thought was soon to be theirs is being over run with new Immigrants perhaps they should vote UKIP. : )

[quote][p][bold]Jim271[/bold] wrote:
Last night I was unfortunate to observe group of "recent immigrants" loitering around the junction of Wordsworth and Hughes Street, there were approximately 20 of them many of which were openly smoking cannabis and drinking on the street.
This was at 10pm on a Monday night, and guess what, no police were available.
Where can I buy some hand grenades?[/p][/quote]Oh Dear i feel there could be some trouble soon with racial gangs and i dont mean British Gangs. Cant believe the Muslim population here vote Labour as they want to continue this uncontrolled immigration disaster. The Muslim areas they thought was soon to be theirs is being over run with new Immigrants perhaps they should vote UKIP. : )thomas222

Jim271 wrote…

Last night I was unfortunate to observe group of "recent immigrants" loitering around the junction of Wordsworth and Hughes Street, there were approximately 20 of them many of which were openly smoking cannabis and drinking on the street. This was at 10pm on a Monday night, and guess what, no police were available. Where can I buy some hand grenades?

Oh Dear i feel there could be some trouble soon with racial gangs and i dont mean British Gangs. Cant believe the Muslim population here vote Labour as they want to continue this uncontrolled immigration disaster. The Muslim areas they thought was soon to be theirs is being over run with new Immigrants perhaps they should vote UKIP. : )

Score: 1

Jim271 says...1:02pm Tue 3 Jun 14

thomas222 wrote…

Jim271 wrote…

Last night I was unfortunate to observe group of "recent immigrants" loitering around the junction of Wordsworth and Hughes Street, there were approximately 20 of them many of which were openly smoking cannabis and drinking on the street. This was at 10pm on a Monday night, and guess what, no police were available. Where can I buy some hand grenades?

Oh Dear i feel there could be some trouble soon with racial gangs and i dont mean British Gangs. Cant believe the Muslim population here vote Labour as they want to continue this uncontrolled immigration disaster. The Muslim areas they thought was soon to be theirs is being over run with new Immigrants perhaps they should vote UKIP. : )

Well recently there was grafetti sprayed on the mosque quoting EDL. It turned out the person responsible was of East European Descent. The problem is companies and private landlords buying up terraced housing because no one wants it and then making it available to immigrants and people who have been evicted from previous council housing. So essentially I am paying for this scum to run down the place where I live. Unless something happens its going to be race riots on the scale of Oldham 10 years ago.

[quote][p][bold]thomas222[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Jim271[/bold] wrote:
Last night I was unfortunate to observe group of "recent immigrants" loitering around the junction of Wordsworth and Hughes Street, there were approximately 20 of them many of which were openly smoking cannabis and drinking on the street.
This was at 10pm on a Monday night, and guess what, no police were available.
Where can I buy some hand grenades?[/p][/quote]Oh Dear i feel there could be some trouble soon with racial gangs and i dont mean British Gangs. Cant believe the Muslim population here vote Labour as they want to continue this uncontrolled immigration disaster. The Muslim areas they thought was soon to be theirs is being over run with new Immigrants perhaps they should vote UKIP. : )[/p][/quote]Well recently there was grafetti sprayed on the mosque quoting EDL.
It turned out the person responsible was of East European Descent.
The problem is companies and private landlords buying up terraced housing because no one wants it and then making it available to immigrants and people who have been evicted from previous council housing.
So essentially I am paying for this scum to run down the place where I live.
Unless something happens its going to be race riots on the scale of Oldham 10 years ago.Jim271

thomas222 wrote…

Jim271 wrote…

Last night I was unfortunate to observe group of "recent immigrants" loitering around the junction of Wordsworth and Hughes Street, there were approximately 20 of them many of which were openly smoking cannabis and drinking on the street. This was at 10pm on a Monday night, and guess what, no police were available. Where can I buy some hand grenades?

Oh Dear i feel there could be some trouble soon with racial gangs and i dont mean British Gangs. Cant believe the Muslim population here vote Labour as they want to continue this uncontrolled immigration disaster. The Muslim areas they thought was soon to be theirs is being over run with new Immigrants perhaps they should vote UKIP. : )

Well recently there was grafetti sprayed on the mosque quoting EDL. It turned out the person responsible was of East European Descent. The problem is companies and private landlords buying up terraced housing because no one wants it and then making it available to immigrants and people who have been evicted from previous council housing. So essentially I am paying for this scum to run down the place where I live. Unless something happens its going to be race riots on the scale of Oldham 10 years ago.

Score: 1

thomas222 says...1:23pm Tue 3 Jun 14

Jim271 wrote…

thomas222 wrote…

Jim271 wrote…

Last night I was unfortunate to observe group of "recent immigrants" loitering around the junction of Wordsworth and Hughes Street, there were approximately 20 of them many of which were openly smoking cannabis and drinking on the street. This was at 10pm on a Monday night, and guess what, no police were available. Where can I buy some hand grenades?

Oh Dear i feel there could be some trouble soon with racial gangs and i dont mean British Gangs. Cant believe the Muslim population here vote Labour as they want to continue this uncontrolled immigration disaster. The Muslim areas they thought was soon to be theirs is being over run with new Immigrants perhaps they should vote UKIP. : )

Well recently there was grafetti sprayed on the mosque quoting EDL. It turned out the person responsible was of East European Descent. The problem is companies and private landlords buying up terraced housing because no one wants it and then making it available to immigrants and people who have been evicted from previous council housing. So essentially I am paying for this scum to run down the place where I live. Unless something happens its going to be race riots on the scale of Oldham 10 years ago.

Wont be forever Jim. When UKIP get in the bad boys and Girls will be sent back from where they came.

[quote][p][bold]Jim271[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]thomas222[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Jim271[/bold] wrote:
Last night I was unfortunate to observe group of "recent immigrants" loitering around the junction of Wordsworth and Hughes Street, there were approximately 20 of them many of which were openly smoking cannabis and drinking on the street.
This was at 10pm on a Monday night, and guess what, no police were available.
Where can I buy some hand grenades?[/p][/quote]Oh Dear i feel there could be some trouble soon with racial gangs and i dont mean British Gangs. Cant believe the Muslim population here vote Labour as they want to continue this uncontrolled immigration disaster. The Muslim areas they thought was soon to be theirs is being over run with new Immigrants perhaps they should vote UKIP. : )[/p][/quote]Well recently there was grafetti sprayed on the mosque quoting EDL.
It turned out the person responsible was of East European Descent.
The problem is companies and private landlords buying up terraced housing because no one wants it and then making it available to immigrants and people who have been evicted from previous council housing.
So essentially I am paying for this scum to run down the place where I live.
Unless something happens its going to be race riots on the scale of Oldham 10 years ago.[/p][/quote]Wont be forever Jim. When UKIP get in the bad boys and Girls will be sent back from where they came.thomas222

Jim271 wrote…

thomas222 wrote…

Jim271 wrote…

Last night I was unfortunate to observe group of "recent immigrants" loitering around the junction of Wordsworth and Hughes Street, there were approximately 20 of them many of which were openly smoking cannabis and drinking on the street. This was at 10pm on a Monday night, and guess what, no police were available. Where can I buy some hand grenades?

Oh Dear i feel there could be some trouble soon with racial gangs and i dont mean British Gangs. Cant believe the Muslim population here vote Labour as they want to continue this uncontrolled immigration disaster. The Muslim areas they thought was soon to be theirs is being over run with new Immigrants perhaps they should vote UKIP. : )

Well recently there was grafetti sprayed on the mosque quoting EDL. It turned out the person responsible was of East European Descent. The problem is companies and private landlords buying up terraced housing because no one wants it and then making it available to immigrants and people who have been evicted from previous council housing. So essentially I am paying for this scum to run down the place where I live. Unless something happens its going to be race riots on the scale of Oldham 10 years ago.

Wont be forever Jim. When UKIP get in the bad boys and Girls will be sent back from where they came.

Score: 1

thomas222 says...1:26pm Tue 3 Jun 14

Jim271 wrote…

thomas222 wrote…

Jim271 wrote…

Last night I was unfortunate to observe group of "recent immigrants" loitering around the junction of Wordsworth and Hughes Street, there were approximately 20 of them many of which were openly smoking cannabis and drinking on the street. This was at 10pm on a Monday night, and guess what, no police were available. Where can I buy some hand grenades?

Oh Dear i feel there could be some trouble soon with racial gangs and i dont mean British Gangs. Cant believe the Muslim population here vote Labour as they want to continue this uncontrolled immigration disaster. The Muslim areas they thought was soon to be theirs is being over run with new Immigrants perhaps they should vote UKIP. : )

Well recently there was grafetti sprayed on the mosque quoting EDL. It turned out the person responsible was of East European Descent. The problem is companies and private landlords buying up terraced housing because no one wants it and then making it available to immigrants and people who have been evicted from previous council housing. So essentially I am paying for this scum to run down the place where I live. Unless something happens its going to be race riots on the scale of Oldham 10 years ago.

When they rent out private Jim the money if on benefits is paid direct to the Claimaint and experienced Landlords are very wary of letting to them rent. Its new Landlords jumping on the rental band waggon who will get turned over.

[quote][p][bold]Jim271[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]thomas222[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Jim271[/bold] wrote:
Last night I was unfortunate to observe group of "recent immigrants" loitering around the junction of Wordsworth and Hughes Street, there were approximately 20 of them many of which were openly smoking cannabis and drinking on the street.
This was at 10pm on a Monday night, and guess what, no police were available.
Where can I buy some hand grenades?[/p][/quote]Oh Dear i feel there could be some trouble soon with racial gangs and i dont mean British Gangs. Cant believe the Muslim population here vote Labour as they want to continue this uncontrolled immigration disaster. The Muslim areas they thought was soon to be theirs is being over run with new Immigrants perhaps they should vote UKIP. : )[/p][/quote]Well recently there was grafetti sprayed on the mosque quoting EDL.
It turned out the person responsible was of East European Descent.
The problem is companies and private landlords buying up terraced housing because no one wants it and then making it available to immigrants and people who have been evicted from previous council housing.
So essentially I am paying for this scum to run down the place where I live.
Unless something happens its going to be race riots on the scale of Oldham 10 years ago.[/p][/quote]When they rent out private Jim the money if on benefits is paid direct to the Claimaint and experienced Landlords are very wary of letting to them rent. Its new Landlords jumping on the rental band waggon who will get turned over.thomas222

Jim271 wrote…

thomas222 wrote…

Jim271 wrote…

Last night I was unfortunate to observe group of "recent immigrants" loitering around the junction of Wordsworth and Hughes Street, there were approximately 20 of them many of which were openly smoking cannabis and drinking on the street. This was at 10pm on a Monday night, and guess what, no police were available. Where can I buy some hand grenades?

Oh Dear i feel there could be some trouble soon with racial gangs and i dont mean British Gangs. Cant believe the Muslim population here vote Labour as they want to continue this uncontrolled immigration disaster. The Muslim areas they thought was soon to be theirs is being over run with new Immigrants perhaps they should vote UKIP. : )

Well recently there was grafetti sprayed on the mosque quoting EDL. It turned out the person responsible was of East European Descent. The problem is companies and private landlords buying up terraced housing because no one wants it and then making it available to immigrants and people who have been evicted from previous council housing. So essentially I am paying for this scum to run down the place where I live. Unless something happens its going to be race riots on the scale of Oldham 10 years ago.

When they rent out private Jim the money if on benefits is paid direct to the Claimaint and experienced Landlords are very wary of letting to them rent. Its new Landlords jumping on the rental band waggon who will get turned over.

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